Basic Concept of the Computer

A piece of technology that takes data as input, processes it through some kind of alteration, and then transforms it into information (human readable and meaning) is a computer. As a result, a computer is a fast electronic data processing device that accepts information in digital form and manipulates it to produce a result based on a set of instructions or a program that specifies how the data should be processed.

The computer needs two different types of input:

• Basic raw data
• Set of instruction containing methodology to process the data known as program.

Initially, computers were created as tools for adding and subtracting numbers as well as for solving arithmetic problems using algorithms based on numerical techniques. With the advancement of technology, the computer can now process alphabets, numbers, and special characters.

A computer is typically referred to as a programmable device. It is an electronic data processing device with fast speed. The two main features of a computer are its ability to respond to well-defined commands and to carry out recorded lists of instructions (a program).

Functions of computer:

• Input: The main duty is to take data input from users. Through an input device, such as a keyboard, touch-screen, mouse, scanner, joystick, or light pen, users enter the data.
• Processing: The step of processing is when the raw data is changed to create useful information or output. Processing is the act of working (Sorting, searching, calculating and graphing input to produce output). A computer's CPU (Central Processing Unit) is a processing component.
• Storage: Both the processed data and the user's input should be permanently or momentarily kept in the computer. Storage devices like RAM, ROM, hard drives, floppy disks, and others are used for this.
• Output: Output, the final product of processing (the job done), must be displayed. Users can easily know the result. Output may be on monitor, speaker, etc.

Components of computer:

• Hardware: Hardware refers to any physically touchable components of a computer. Like the computer chassis, keyboard, and monitor, some hardware elements are simple to identify. Hardware is the term used to describe the electronic or digital component that surrounds the computer. Hardware comes in a variety of shapes and sizes that are obvious and recognizable.
• Software: Software is a collection of rules and instructions that enable a machine to perform a task efficiently.
• People: A computer cannot fulfill its functions without people. Users are the ones who use computers. They are the majority of the computer's parts.
• Data: Data are uncooked facts and figures. Letters, numbers, sounds, graphics, video, photos, or animations can all be used as data. Data is meaningless. Data is stored and read in binary form by computers.

Advantages:

• People use computers to carry out a variety of jobs quickly, easily, and accurately. Computer use makes a variety of tasks reliable.
• Tasks on the computer can be completed in nano- or picoseconds. Therefore, it minimizes the overall cost of finishing a task while also saving time and effort.
• When performing repetitive chores, using a computer is quite beneficial.
• Some people use the computer as a source of entertainment, such as to listen to music, watch videos, or play games.
• You can communicate via a computer. Only computers and the internet make it feasible to use online services. Skype and other social media platforms have emerged as reliable sources for information exchange and efficient communication.
• The computer may be a very effective teaching tool. On the internet, students can get various kinds of knowledge. Several websites, including Khan Academy, Code, and Wikipedia.

Disadvantages:

• Unemployment: In the modern world, many jobs may be carried out automatically by using computers, which lessens the need for employees in a company. It causes society's unemployment rate to rise directly.
• Data Security: Unauthorized users occasionally use networks to access data kept on computers for illicit purposes. Data security is a major issue and worry for huge organizations in this technological age.
• Computer Crimes: We cannot simply claim that computers make our lives more comfortable and easy. People occasionally utilize computers in harmful ways. They misuse peoples' private information and confidential data by hacking them. Large organizations and companies may lose a lot of money if hackers steal their essential information.
• Privacy violation: Computers are used to store people's personal information, which is a violation of privacy. If there is an inadequate security mechanism in place for the secret personal records, someone's privacy may be infringed.
• Health risks: Prolonged, incorrect computer use can lead to injuries or conditions affecting the hands, wrists, elbows, eyes, neck, and back. By sitting correctly when using the computer, individuals can reduce their risk of health issues.
• Effects on the environment: The techniques used to make computers and the waste they produce will contaminate the environment and the entire ecosystem. Computer trash can produce potentially harmful poisonous substances.

Basic terminology:

• Hardware: Hardware refers to the tangible, touchable parts of a computer system. As an illustration, consider a desktop, mouse, keyboard, speaker, printer, and modem.
• Software: Applications or instructions that carry out specific tasks. Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for instance.
• Program: A group of instructions that a computer can carry out.
• Command: When a user issues a command, an instruction, an action is carried out. Typically, it is entered using a keyboard or selected from a menu.
• CPU (Central Processing Unit): A computer's control component It understands commands and puts them into action.
• Data: These are simply stated facts and data that don't fully explain themselves to the users.
• Information: The users receive meaningful information from the processed data.
• Memory: The memory of a computer is the space or location where data can be saved or preserved. Depending on the nature, it can store information either permanently or temporarily.
• RAM (Random Access Memory): RAM is a volatile form of memory. As soon as the power is turned off, the information in RAM is lost. On ROM, we are able to read and write data.
• ROM (Read Only Memory): This memory is non-volatile. As soon as the power is turned off, the contents of ROM are not lost. Only the read operation is possible with ROM.
• Firmware: When ROM manufacturers permanently include software or instructions, we refer to the ROM as firmware.

Reference:

Ghishing, Er.Ashim. Computer Science. Kathmandu, Nepal: Benchmark , 2008.